LEVEL: Intermediate

1.I have established a classic “butterfly guard” position, complete with the near side underhook. If my opponent will allow me to grab his left arm with my right hand, I will go to a classic “bread and butter” butterfuly guard sweep

2.However, my opponent is smart, and keep’s his left hand away. So I dive underneath my opponent

3.Establishing a standard X-guard position

4.My opponent attempts to post, so I snatch away his base with my free left hand, continuing to hook his leg with my right hand

5.I lift with my legs, sweeping my opponent, and achieving the top position

6.Note that I have a solid knee-on-stomach position, which sets up the armlock, when I’m ready to step over his head

LEVEL: Basic

1. In this variation, I am gripping the inside of my opponent’s knees. Note that I force his feet to the floor by fully extending my arms and putting weight down.

2. I begin the classic “toreando” (AKA “bullfight”) pass by stepping to my left with my left foot first.

3. Instead of completing the pass, I intentionally step into my opponent’s legs with my right foot, switching my hips on the way down. A good grappler will always sit up when his feet are pinned to the ground, which makes the classic finish to this pass all but impossible.

4. Instead of passing a good guard in one motion, I put two passes together: toreando and the hip-switch half-gaurd pass.

5. I finish in reverse kesa gatame side control, ready to mount or finish my opponent.

LEVEL: Basic/Intermediate

1. My opponent has picked up my left leg with a low-single takedown attempt.  Note that his head is on the inside.

2. “Live toes” are very important here.  I don’t want my opponent backstepping to finish the takedown.   My leg is right where I want it.

3. I reach over his sholder with my left hand, grabbing his belt.

4. I make sure to weigh down heavy on that right shoulder of his;  otherwise, I risk being lifted by a good wrestler or judo player.

5. My right hand grips his sleeve at the wrist.  I don’t necessarily need to break his grip.  The function of this sleeve will be to turn his upper body.

5. Here, I hop and turn, transferring my left leg from the back of his left knee to the back of his right knee.

6. I begin to lift his leg with my leg, utilizing a bowing motion (my whole body lifts, not just my leg) and I start to turn.

7. With my foot facing the same direction as my opponent’s foot, I hop towards his heel.  All of his weight is on that heel.

8. I take my time and hop several times, closing the distance as my opponent loses his balance.

9. I finish by not following him down, but rather push my hips forward.  Now I’m ready to pass his guard.